Distressed Tax Preparer

[Gretel]

Thank you, guys, for sharing your struggles. Here I thought I get all beaten up, but then again I know that most of you are caring and compassionate. I think the pure fact to be and stay on this board indicates your choice of caring.

I guess I need nothing else then Rita, just venting in the hopes it makes me feel better.

[Snaggletooth]

On the Clock

say: I need to run to the bathroom

I think Rita's client may have beat you to the bathroom....

I have one comment to these long-winded stories. "Excuse me, sir, you do know that I bill by the hour."

[JohnH]

I must be living on a different planet. Why is it always the client's fault if we are not truthful or feel bad after some experiences with clients?

In case one, isn't it up to me, you to either be truthful and say something like: my mind is full of all the tax returns I still need to do and I cannot listen to your medical story....and whatever (or I only will listen to your medical story if you listen to mine), or tell a lie and say: I need to run to the bathroom or whatever the most convenient lie is? After the lie, again, it's the client's fault that we have to lie, isn't it?

How about a little compassion instead of just playing the role of an accountant/tax preparer?

As I said, I must be living on a different planet that I don't complain about my clients but always try to listen with an open heart, and, at the same time, try to be honest and don't pretend to be listing when I couldn't care less.

I'll offer an alternative viewpoint. Especially during tax season, I'm a feeling person, but not a particularly caring person. When it comes to their colonoscopy, basketball brackets, or their shiny new boat, I couldn't care less. Occasionally I feel bad about not caring, but I honestly don't care.

[Jesse]

Feb-March-April I'm on a planet all of my own.

I believe I am a compassionate person, but I am stressed and short of time during these months - which unfortunately leaves me short of patience too and my dark side appears now and then.

[Gretel]

I must be living on a different planet. Why is it always the client's fault if we are not truthful or feel bad after some experiences with clients?

In case one, isn't it up to me, you to either be truthful and say something like: my mind is full of all the tax returns I still need to do and I cannot listen to your medical story....and whatever (or I only will listen to your medical story if you listen to mine), or tell a lie and say: I need to run to the bathroom or whatever the most convenient lie is? After the lie, again, it's the client's fault that we have to lie, isn't it?

How about a little compassion instead of just playing the role of an accountant/tax preparer?

As I said, I must be living on a different planet that I don't complain about my clients but always try to listen with an open heart, and, at the same time, try to be honest and don't pretend to be listing when I couldn't care less.

[NotEasy]

My client who just picked up his tax return sat here talking about his colonoscopy and bowel habits for 15 minutes.

My little voice was going, "La la la la la la la la. No no no no no."

At least it is not as worse as having a client who told you he had caught a virus flu for more than a week. And then he coughed non stop while he tried to share with you his virus flu experience in the past week.

[RitaB]

Yep

and you let him.

I sure did, and I wouldn't change a thing. I hope he's still around next year.

AND, I hope he has a FISHING story.

We could write a book about client tales and no one would believe us.

Haha, you are so right! And, I am making a list of what NOT to discuss in case I need to talk to somebody for 15 minutes 30 years from now.

[jeff501]

We could write a book about client tales and no one would believe us.

[taxea]

My client who just picked up his tax return sat here talking about his colonoscopy and bowel habits for 15 minutes.

My little voice was going, "La la la la la la la la. No no no no no."

and you let him.

[geekgirldany]

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES!!!

Too bad we don't charge for all that !

Oh wow SueBaby that is some good ones! Gave me a laugh for the day.

[RitaB]

Yeah

There's one sure way to end the conversation when someone starts telling you about their colonoscopy.
Just ask him if he got the note for his wife after the procedure was over.

When he asks "What note?"

just tell him

"The note from the doctor verifying that your head isn't up there."

(Rolling around laughing, but still in traumatized state...)

Yeah, he's single. I think I know why.

[JohnH]

There's one sure way to end the conversation when someone starts telling you about their colonoscopy.
Just ask him if he got the note for his wife after the procedure was over.

When he asks "What note?"

just tell him

"The note from the doctor verifying that your head isn't up there."

[RitaB]

I would

Too bad we don't charge for all that !

I would have paid HIM to stop talking. I am terrified that when I go to bed tonight I am going to see this little gentleman laying on his side, with a big contraption going someplace. Oh, the horror...

[SueBaby]

we see these people once a year.... wait, maybe twice (drop off and pick up) and we are their confidants!! It always amazes me. I guess once you know someone's finances you're their shoulders to cry on!
I think we should get paid extra for psychiatric services!!

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES!!! along with doctor (my wife is losing her mind--you think it might be Alzheimers?) Marriage counselor (my husband will not stay off the computer-can you talk to him?) a lawyer (I fell at Wal-Mart--do you think I should sue them?)
a bartender (do you have cokes for sale that I could buy?) a babysitter (do you mind if I bring my 5 'home schooled' children with me?) a nurse (I break out in hives when you talk about my taxes -what is it?)

Too bad we don't charge for all that !

[RitaB]

Or in this case

Yep. Sch A should be renamed to "the chat schedule" - medical expenses open up a whole conversation.

Or in this case, the "chit" schedule.